South Kaibab Trailhead – Ooh Aah Point loop from Grand Canyon Village

Hiking trails & Routes

South Kaibab Trailhead – Ooh Aah Point loop from Grand Canyon Village

Hard

3.0

(9)

hikers

South Kaibab Trailhead – Ooh Aah Point loop from Grand Canyon Village

06:12

19.2km

500m

Hiking

Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Mostly walkable paths. Sure-footedness required. The starting point of the route is accessible with public transport.

Last updated: August 23, 2026

Tips

Your route passes through a protected area

Please check local regulations for:

Grand Canyon National Park

Waypoints

Start point

Bus stop

Get Directions

4.53 km

Pipecreek Vista

Viewpoint

6.01 km

South Kaibab Trailhead

Highlight • Trail

The South Kaibab Trailhead is leading to one of the two corridor trails through the Grand Canyon: the South Kaibab Trail. There is no parking at the trailhead. To get here, you have to take the shuttle (orange line) that starts at the visitors center. There are restrooms at the trailhead and a water spigot. If you plan to hike down the canyon, take plenty of water with you and avoid the heat. There is no shade or water source on the trail. Be aware that the way down is the easy part. Always remember that you have to climb all the way out.

The South Kaibab Trail is also part of the 800 mile Arizona National Scenic Trail that stretches from the Mexican border to Utah stateline.

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6.20 km

View of the Grand Canyon from South Kaibab Trail

Highlight • Viewpoint

Enjoy stunning canyon views as you descend the switchbacks of the South Kaibab Trail. The zigzagging path offers a great opportunity to observe the towering rock walls and the vibrant layers that make up the canyon's landscape.

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7.43 km

Ooh Aah Point

Highlight • Viewpoint

This gorgeous view into the Grand Canyon is just some minutes and a little elevation from the South Kaibab Trailhead. If you are not planning on going all the way down, this is the point you should go to in order to enjoy the beautiful panorama. The most prominent feature that you can see is Cedar Ridge with the South Kaibab Trail snaking around its eastern flank.

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8.34 km

Cedar Ridge

Highlight • Viewpoint

Cedar ridge is a nice view point and also a convenient turning point, if you are just on a day hike. There is even a pit toilet, but no water. If you are lucky, you can see some real cowboys coming up from Phantom Ranch on their mules.

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8.43 km

Cedar Ridge Overlook

Highlight • Viewpoint

14.8 km

Grand Canyon

Highlight • Canyon

Biking through the Grand Canyon is an unforgettable adventure, with stunning rock formations and epic views at every turn. There are trails for all levels, whether you're looking for a challenge or a relaxed ride. Classic bike touring routes include the ride to Hermit's Rest and the Rim Trail. Don’t forget to bring plenty of water.

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16.0 km

Rim Trail (Grand Canyon National Park)

Highlight (Segment) • Trail

The Rim Trail stretches 13 miles from the South Kaibab Trailhead to Hermits Rest, offering a mostly paved, very well-defined trail. The trail is mostly flat and ideal for an easy hike. The views into the Grand Canyon are unbeatable, and there are shaded areas to take advantage of in hot weather. In winter, surfaces may be slippery or icy, so traction devices are recommended, and summer brings the risk of lightning during thunderstorms. Leashed pets are allowed on the trail but not on park shuttle buses. The trail is wheelchair accessible from Lookout Studio to the South Kaibab Trailhead, with dirt sections west of Bright Angel Lodge.

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17.7 km

View of the Grand Canyon from Rim Trail

Highlight • Viewpoint

A nice short hike with many impressive views of the canyon. Actually, the entire stretched is a highlight. Good parking is available at the car park "C + D" from here with the shuttle bus to the Visitor Center and here the hike starts. Take a lot of water - there is little shade.

Translated by Google •

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